Unmarked Pick-up Trucks..

[Crazy K]

At Pandoras.....unmarked truck with lines just left grayton corner headed to Seaside! SGG says probably in ft Walton? SGG doesn't know west from east! Be careful! I have no worries, I'm not driving.....LOL

 

[GoodWitch58]

Ladies do not stop for these unmarked vehicles unless you are in a lighted place. Just slow down and drive to a safe place, preferably where other people are. If you have a cell phone call the sheriff's office dispach at 892-8111 to ask if it is one of the LEO's

This was my main point for questioning this this morning; very strange to see these trucks coming up behind you, especially if you are alone. I had seen the unmarked mustangs before; and I believe there was some kind of public notification that they would be used. But, I have not heard anything about trucks.

 

[Matt J]

Has anyone called the Sheriff's department to ask?

 

[GoodWitch58]

Has anyone called the Sheriff's department to ask?

Actually yes and I have a very thorough answer from Sheriff Adkinson himself. Here it is, posted with his permission:

" We do employ a number of unmarked vehicles in our fleet. I cannot say for sure that the ones you have seen belonged to the Sheriff's office as most agencies use unmarked vehicles as well. I absolutely understand your concerns about this issue, for this reason unmarked vehicles are not used for traffic enforcement as a matter of our policy. When you see our unmarked vehicles on traffic stops alone, one of a couple of things are going on. Our policy prohibits deputies from passing a stranded motorist. I know that I personally stop with stranded or distressed vehicles 5 to 10 tomes a week (I drive a black unmarked SUV). Another reason an unmarked vehicle would stop a motorist is as part of criminal investigation (I.E. someone we have under surveillance). Lastly there are always circumstances in which we have to alter the policy to protect the safety of motorists. Such would be the case with a reckless driver, DUI, or dangerously aggressive vehicle. Those are really the only reasons you would see a WCSO unmarked vehicle stop a motorist.
Now to your question as to what action to take if you question whether or not the vehicle is really a law enforcement officer. I cannot give anyone permission to not stop however, turning your hazard lights on and reducing speed to show the Deputy you acknowledge their presence while you find a safe place to stop works well. Also you can call the sheriff's office to confirm that it is a deputy sheriff. Our vehicles are equipped with GPS to show their location. They also have to inform dispatch prior to stopping a vehicle so dispatch can tell you immediately if it is a deputy. Most importantly all Sheriff's personnel MUST be clearly identifiable to the public. A sheriff's star must be visible if the deputy has a firearm on. While security guards and even the general public can buy a badge that looks like a police badge, in the state of Florida it is illegal to sell, possess or display the Sheriff's star ( a five point star). As a rule they must be in full uniform to conduct a routine traffic stop. I hope I have answered your questions fully. Please feel free to call me personally if you need further information.

Additionally, after speaking with my wife (I also have two daughters) about your question a little more I am going to instruct our Public Information Officer Michael Morrison to prepare an informational campaign for our website, Facebook account and print media.

Thanks you for your questions,

Mike Adkinson
Sheriff

Thanks to Sheriff Adkinson for his prompt and thorough answer to my questions...I appreciate his professionalism and sincere efforts on behalf of all of us...and I feel more comfortable understanding how and why some unmarked vehicles may be in use.